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Performing arts organisation, NK Theatre Arts and Stockport Council have announced the temporary closure of The Forum Theatre due to the presence of Reinforced Aerated Autoclave Concrete (RAAC).
The UK Government issued revised guidance on the treatment of RAAC in education settings on 31st August, which has seen a number of schools close or partially close as a result. RAAC contains air pockets to reduce its weight for use in certain construction applications where traditional reinforced concrete would be too heavy; the presence of these air pockets increases the risk of water ingress, however, which can erode the concrete internally and cause the reinforcing steel rebars to rust, limiting the lifespan of the material.
In a statement published on the Stockport Council and NK Theatre Arts websites, the two organisations confirm that the presence of RAAC in The Forum Theatre has been known about since roof repairs in 2017 and has since been managed in accordance with industry standards.
The decision to close the theatre has been made as a precautionary measure to undertake additional investigations into the condition of the RAAC in the building, and is in line with what is being done by other theatres and performance spaces around the country to ensure the safety of theatregoers and performers.
In their statement, NK Theatre Arts said:
“We realise this will be very disappointing to our patrons and our performers but our priority is to make sure the building is safe. Anyone who has purchased tickets for immediate events impacted will be contacted by the box office with information on refunds or alternative dates should performances be rescheduled.
“We are in the process of contacting producers to discuss the implications for them.
“A further update will be issued next week.
“We are working hard with Stockport Council to ascertain which areas of the building are affected and which are not. Some of this information may come quite quickly so we will know if it is safe for any workshops to run at the theatre in certain spaces and which areas will need more investigation.
“There may be a possibility of moving workshops to an alternate venue in the short term. As soon as we have a definitive plan for our sessions we will of course let you know.”